It’s not everyday that you hear the phrase ‘vote-a-rama’. It’s especially rare when it comes to marijuana policy. It wasn’t that long ago that a marijuana reform bill at the federal level was rare. But it appears that the flood gates are about to open. The Hill put out an article yesterday suggesting that several marijuana reform bills are about to be introduced to Congress, and ones that have already been introduced could get a vote this week. Per the article:
Pot advocates expect lawmakers to introduce at least half a dozen marijuana-related appropriations amendments that would roll back the Justice Department’s authority to enforce drug laws around the country.
The marijuana amendments would handicap the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its fight with states over the enforcement of local pot laws.
An amendment from Reps. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) and Jared Polis (D-Colo.) would prohibit DOJ from using federal funds to interfere with any state marijuana law, including laws permitting the recreational use of pot.
Another amendment, from Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), would protect state hemp laws from DOJ interference. This would pave the way for farmers to grow hemp in the U.S.
Several other pot amendments are still in the works, including one that would shift money in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s budget away from enforcing marijuana laws toward solving the rape kit backlog and funding treatment programs for veterans, Riffle said.
If you haven’t been in contact with your federal politicians, now would be a great time to do so. Be polite yet persistent in letting them know that it’s time to reform marijuana laws at the federal level. Share with them poll results that prove your point. If they need further information, provide them with scientific studies related to marijuana, and/or statistics from Colorado and Washington that clearly show that marijuana reform works.
